Meetings

NDM8538 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Believes the Welsh Government’s transport policies for Wales are not fit for purpose.

2. Regrets the north and south transport divide in Wales, with £50 million allocated to the North Wales Metro, and over £1 billion to the South Wales Metro.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to urgently:

a) undertake a review of the current road-building tests with a view to implementing all previously scrapped schemes that will boost economic growth or enhance road safety;

b) reverse the Restricted Roads (20mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022 and adopt a targeted approach to 20mph speed limits in Wales; and

c) invest in public transport to make buses and trains more competitive with travelling by car.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Believes:

a) the Welsh Government’s transport policies for Wales are not fit for purpose;

b) the lack of connectivity between north and south Wales is a regrettable consequence of the fact that decisions about transport are made and controlled by people outside Wales;

c) the lack of connectivity between north and south Wales stems from historical and current failures to invest in intra-Wales journeys; and

d) resolving issues within the Welsh transport network will only be possible by devolving all powers over transport to Wales.

2. Calls on Welsh Government to:

a) reconsider its decision not to launch a legal challenge against the UK Government’s decision to designate HS2 an England and Wales project;

b) act with haste to implement the continuous review of the impact of the new speed limits, as previously agreed by the Senedd’s vote in favour of NDM8347 as amended, on 13 September 2023;

c) prioritise fair funding for buses that places bus funding on an equitable basis to rail funding; and

d) work with the UK Government to devolve all powers over transport to Wales.

If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected.

Amendment 2 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s commitment to listening on a wide range of issues, including transport and connectivity.

2. Supports the Welsh Government’s approach which recognises:

a) the value Wales’s transport infrastructure, including roads, brings to our economy and society; and

b) that the Welsh Government can improve both the way it designs and builds new road infrastructure, and better maintain Wales’s existing road network.

3. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s recognition of the need to refine the implementation of 20mph speed limits in Wales; including reflecting on the classification guidance, changing speed limits on some roads, and continued engagement with communities.

The item started at 17.52

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM8538 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Believes the Welsh Government’s transport policies for Wales are not fit for purpose.

2. Regrets the north and south transport divide in Wales, with £50 million allocated to the North Wales Metro, and over £1 billion to the South Wales Metro.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to urgently:

a) undertake a review of the current road-building tests with a view to implementing all previously scrapped schemes that will boost economic growth or enhance road safety;

b) reverse the Restricted Roads (20mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022 and adopt a targeted approach to 20mph speed limits in Wales; and

c) invest in public transport to make buses and trains more competitive with travelling by car.

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Believes:

a) the Welsh Government’s transport policies for Wales are not fit for purpose;

b) the lack of connectivity between north and south Wales is a regrettable consequence of the fact that decisions about transport are made and controlled by people outside Wales;

c) the lack of connectivity between north and south Wales stems from historical and current failures to invest in intra-Wales journeys; and

d) resolving issues within the Welsh transport network will only be possible by devolving all powers over transport to Wales.

2. Calls on Welsh Government to:

a) reconsider its decision not to launch a legal challenge against the UK Government’s decision to designate HS2 an England and Wales project;

b) act with haste to implement the continuous review of the impact of the new speed limits, as previously agreed by the Senedd’s vote in favour of NDM8347 as amended, on 13 September 2023;

c) prioritise fair funding for buses that places bus funding on an equitable basis to rail funding; and

d) work with the UK Government to devolve all powers over transport to Wales.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s commitment to listening on a wide range of issues, including transport and connectivity.

2. Supports the Welsh Government’s approach which recognises:

a) the value Wales’s transport infrastructure, including roads, brings to our economy and society; and

b) that the Welsh Government can improve both the way it designs and builds new road infrastructure, and better maintain Wales’s existing road network.

3. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s recognition of the need to refine the implementation of 20mph speed limits in Wales; including reflecting on the classification guidance, changing speed limits on some roads, and continued engagement with communities.

A vote was taken on amendment 2:

Amendment 2 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM8538 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s commitment to listening on a wide range of issues, including transport and connectivity.

2. Supports the Welsh Government’s approach which recognises:

a) the value Wales’s transport infrastructure, including roads, brings to our economy and society; and

b) that the Welsh Government can improve both the way it designs and builds new road infrastructure, and better maintain Wales’s existing road network.

3. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s recognition of the need to refine the implementation of 20mph speed limits in Wales; including reflecting on the classification guidance, changing speed limits on some roads, and continued engagement with communities.

The motion as amended was agreed.

NDM8537 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the resignation of the Head of Investigations at the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

2. Expresses its concern that the political impartiality of the Office of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has been compromised.

3. Notes that:

a) the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has appointed a senior barrister to investigate allegations of political impartiality; and

b) the person appointed is James Goudie KC.

4. Does not believe that the appointment is appropriate given that James Goudie KC is a former Labour parliamentary candidate, a former chairman of the Society of Labour Lawyers, a former Labour spokesman for Legal Affairs in the House of Lords, and a former Labour leader of Brent Council.

5. In accordance with Standing Order 17.2, instructs the Finance Committee to urgently review the operations, processes and investigations carried out by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to ensure:

a) that impartiality and fairness are present throughout the employment of the former Head of Investigations; and

b) that the Senedd can have confidence that the office is able to undertake future investigations with impartiality and fairness.

6. Calls upon the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to disclose the terms of the departure of the former Head of Investigations, in the interest of public scrutiny.

The following amendment was tabled:

Amendment 1 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes:

a) the resignation of the Head of Investigations at the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales;

b) that the Ombudsman has appointed a senior barrister to investigate allegations;

c) that as a ‘listed authority’ subject to the supervision of the Ombudsman, it would not be appropriate for the Welsh Government to comment on the investigation; and

d) the expectation of the Senedd for the Ombudsman to report back to the Senedd in due course with the outcome of the investigation.

The item started at 17.28

NDM8537 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the resignation of the Head of Investigations at the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

2. Expresses its concern that the political impartiality of the Office of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has been compromised.

3. Notes that:

a) the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has appointed a senior barrister to investigate allegations of political impartiality; and

b) the person appointed is James Goudie KC.

4. Does not believe that the appointment is appropriate given that James Goudie KC is a former Labour parliamentary candidate, a former chairman of the Society of Labour Lawyers, a former Labour spokesman for Legal Affairs in the House of Lords, and a former Labour leader of Brent Council.

5. In accordance with Standing Order 17.2, instructs the Finance Committee to urgently review the operations, processes and investigations carried out by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to ensure:

a) that impartiality and fairness are present throughout the employment of the former Head of Investigations; and

b) that the Senedd can have confidence that the office is able to undertake future investigations with impartiality and fairness.

6. Calls upon the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to disclose the terms of the departure of the former Head of Investigations, in the interest of public scrutiny.

The motion was agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

NDM8518 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the UK Government’s 2024 Budget, a plan for long term growth, which will see:

a) national insurance contributions cut by 2p, saving the average Welsh worker £450 a year;

b) £168 million of additional Barnett consequential funding for Wales;

c) £160 million purchase of the Wylfa site;

d) £20 million of funding for Rhyl as part of the Long Term Plan for Towns;

e) £10 million of funding to Venue Cymru in Llandudno;

f) £5 million of funding for cultural facilities in Newport;

g) £5 million of funding to launch an agri-food launchpad in partnership between Welsh Government and Ceredigion Council; and

h) £1.6 million of funding towards the redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd in Mold.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes that:

a) the Chancellor has announced the 2024 UK Government Budget;

b) real wage growth and GDP per capita has increased at its lowest rate since the Second World War under this UK Government; and

c) tax as a proportion of GDP has increased to its highest level since 1948 under this UK Government.

2. Regrets:

a) that this Westminster Parliament will be the first in modern history to oversee a fall in household disposable income and living standards;

b) the failure to uprate the personal allowance threshold in line with inflation, which will leave low-income households worse off and entrench income inequalities;

c) that day-to-day spending for unprotected UK Government departments is set to fall by 13 per cent over the next five years, which will have a direct impact on Wales in areas such as justice;

d) that Canary Wharf is set to receive £240 million in Levelling Up Funds, whilst the Welsh Government is set to receive only £170 million; and

e) that neither the UK Conservative Party nor the UK Labour Party have committed to a fair funding deal for Wales, nor to provide Wales with its share of HS2 consequentials.

3. Believes that:

a) Wales's potential is being stifled by a lack of proper investment in our beleaguered public services and dilapidated infrastructure; and

b) the 2024 UK Government Budget utterly fails to address the priorities and needs of the people of Wales.

If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected.

Amendment 2 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Regrets that the UK Government Spring Budget 2024:

a) provides no additional resource funding for the Welsh Government, other than that already factored into its spending plans;

b) leaves the Welsh Government’s settlement for 2024-25 up to £700 million lower in real terms than expected at the time of the 2021 Spending Review;

c) provides no additional capital funding for the Welsh Government, leaving its general capital budget in 2024-25 up to 8 per cent less in real terms than expected at the time of the Spending Review in 2021;

d) ignores the Welsh Government’s core asks of UK Government investment in coal tip safety and the re-classification of HS2, including provision of the £270 million Wales will have missed out on by the end of the current spending period; and

e) fails to provide targeted support to those on the lowest incomes.

2. Further regrets that:

a) the personal tax rises introduced by this UK Government from its previous decision to freeze thresholds are larger than the tax reductions announced in the 2024 Spring budget and 2023 Autumn Statement combined, and twice as large by 2028-29;

b) the UK Government's overall spending totals imply no real growth in public spending per person over the next five years, with no credible plan to deliver the level of public spending they have outlined;

c) UK living standards are expected to experience six years lost growth, only returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2025, as measured by gross household disposable income per head; and

d) the UK Government’s levelling up policies leave Wales with less say over less money, while bypassing and actively undermining devolution and this Senedd.

The item started at 17.01

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM8518 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the UK Government’s 2024 Budget, a plan for long term growth, which will see:

a) national insurance contributions cut by 2p, saving the average Welsh worker £450 a year;

b) £168 million of additional Barnett consequential funding for Wales;

c) £160 million purchase of the Wylfa site;

d) £20 million of funding for Rhyl as part of the Long Term Plan for Towns;

e) £10 million of funding to Venue Cymru in Llandudno;

f) £5 million of funding for cultural facilities in Newport;

g) £5 million of funding to launch an agri-food launchpad in partnership between Welsh Government and Ceredigion Council; and

h) £1.6 million of funding towards the redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd in Mold.

The motion without amendment was not agreed.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes that:

a) the Chancellor has announced the 2024 UK Government Budget;

b) real wage growth and GDP per capita has increased at its lowest rate since the Second World War under this UK Government; and

c) tax as a proportion of GDP has increased to its highest level since 1948 under this UK Government.

2. Regrets:

a) that this Westminster Parliament will be the first in modern history to oversee a fall in household disposable income and living standards;

b) the failure to uprate the personal allowance threshold in line with inflation, which will leave low-income households worse off and entrench income inequalities;

c) that day-to-day spending for unprotected UK Government departments is set to fall by 13 per cent over the next five years, which will have a direct impact on Wales in areas such as justice;

d) that Canary Wharf is set to receive £240 million in Levelling Up Funds, whilst the Welsh Government is set to receive only £170 million; and

e) that neither the UK Conservative Party nor the UK Labour Party have committed to a fair funding deal for Wales, nor to provide Wales with its share of HS2 consequentials.

3. Believes that:

a) Wales's potential is being stifled by a lack of proper investment in our beleaguered public services and dilapidated infrastructure; and

b) the 2024 UK Government Budget utterly fails to address the priorities and needs of the people of Wales.

A vote was taken on amendment 1:

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2 Lesley Griffiths (Wrexham)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Regrets that the UK Government Spring Budget 2024:

a) provides no additional resource funding for the Welsh Government, other than that already factored into its spending plans;

b) leaves the Welsh Government’s settlement for 2024-25 up to £700 million lower in real terms than expected at the time of the 2021 Spending Review;

c) provides no additional capital funding for the Welsh Government, leaving its general capital budget in 2024-25 up to 8 per cent less in real terms than expected at the time of the Spending Review in 2021;

d) ignores the Welsh Government’s core asks of UK Government investment in coal tip safety and the re-classification of HS2, including provision of the £270 million Wales will have missed out on by the end of the current spending period; and

e) fails to provide targeted support to those on the lowest incomes.

2. Further regrets that:

a) the personal tax rises introduced by this UK Government from its previous decision to freeze thresholds are larger than the tax reductions announced in the 2024 Spring budget and 2023 Autumn Statement combined, and twice as large by 2028-29;

b) the UK Government's overall spending totals imply no real growth in public spending per person over the next five years, with no credible plan to deliver the level of public spending they have outlined;

c) UK living standards are expected to experience six years lost growth, only returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2025, as measured by gross household disposable income per head; and

d) the UK Government’s levelling up policies leave Wales with less say over less money, while bypassing and actively undermining devolution and this Senedd.

A vote was taken on amendment 2:

Amendment 2 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM8518 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Regrets that the UK Government Spring Budget 2024:

a) provides no additional resource funding for the Welsh Government, other than that already factored into its spending plans;

b) leaves the Welsh Government’s settlement for 2024-25 up to £700 million lower in real terms than expected at the time of the 2021 Spending Review;

c) provides no additional capital funding for the Welsh Government, leaving its general capital budget in 2024-25 up to 8 per cent less in real terms than expected at the time of the Spending Review in 2021;

d) ignores the Welsh Government’s core asks of UK Government investment in coal tip safety and the re-classification of HS2, including provision of the £270 million Wales will have missed out on by the end of the current spending period; and

e) fails to provide targeted support to those on the lowest incomes.

2. Further regrets that:

a) the personal tax rises introduced by this UK Government from its previous decision to freeze thresholds are larger than the tax reductions announced in the 2024 Spring budget and 2023 Autumn Statement combined, and twice as large by 2028-29;

b) the UK Government's overall spending totals imply no real growth in public spending per person over the next five years, with no credible plan to deliver the level of public spending they have outlined;

c) UK living standards are expected to experience six years lost growth, only returning to pre-pandemic levels in 2025, as measured by gross household disposable income per head; and

d) the UK Government’s levelling up policies leave Wales with less say over less money, while bypassing and actively undermining devolution and this Senedd.

The motion as amended was agreed.